Aquilo - ii

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Two for the price of one

Aquilo consist of Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher who are both from the Lake District and have quite a reputation for embracing the new digital age and how that changes how music is received by the public. This is only their second album, following the release of ‘Silhouettes’ last year, but ‘ii’ has been released in two halves, the first of which ‘ii (Side A)’ was released last year and the second half is now upon us.

‘ii (Side A)’ is a wonderful, ambient piece of music, with a wonderful laid back feel and featured singles ‘I Could Fight On A Wall’ and ‘Thin’. It has almost a dream like quality to the sound which draws you in, at times it is almost in the background and almost seems to exist around you. But I mean that in a good way, it is easy to listen to while be absorbing at the same time.

Their different way of releasing albums has certainly not been a problem; they currently have over two million listeners on Spotify. In fact it seems a very good way of offering new music to your fans without having to wait until you have a full album. I was interested to hear ‘ii (Side A)’ to see how it fits as an album as opposed to two separate EPs. Though if part two was as good as the first that would not be a problem either.

Now we are in a position to answer that, ‘Side B’ is a natural progression from the first half with more of the swirling minimalist sounds with  ‘The Road less Wandered’ essentially being track six. It would interesting to know if the plan is to keep people wanting more or the first half was ready and they didn’t want the fans to have to wait. Either way it’s another magnificent record.

‘Silent Movies’ actually has a sound as if it belongs in a film soundtrack, but then with the feel of the album most of it could, maybe not a silent movie though.  I think my favourite track from the ‘Side B’ is ‘Seagull’ as it seems to have an extra layer. This is the perfect album when you need something a bit chilled on, but always want it to have some depth. I hope they continue to release music as regularly.

Review by Jon Cooper

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